Woven retention devices, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A woven retention device for interfacing with a bone surface includes interwoven filaments forming a tubular lattice with protuberances distributed on interior and exterior surfaces of the lattice at a predetermined spatial relationship. The protuberances are formed by intersecting interwoven filaments. The retention device receives and surrounds a fastener. In a first, relaxed state, the retention device has multiple combinations of filament cross-section geometries at the intersection points, and the multiple combinations of filament cross-section geometries form multiple protuberance thicknesses. In a second state when surrounding at least a portion of the fastener, the retention device distributes pressure from the fastener to multiple points of contact on the exterior surface of the retention device such that a spatial relationship of the protuberances changes as a function of bone density of the bone surface and as a function of an interfacing surface shape of the fastener.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/452,054, which was filed Aug. 5, 2014, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for use infixing fasteners to bone tissue.

BACKGROUND

In orthopedic surgery it is common to secure a bone screw to a patient'sbone. Bone fracture repair is surgery to fix a broken bone using plates,nails, screws, or pins. It is common in the treatment of fractures toattach a plate to the bone utilizing bone screws. The resultingconstruct prevents motion of the fractured bone so that the bone canheal. Alternatively, one or more screws may be inserted across the breakto hold it place.

In the treatment of spinal disorders, pedicle screws are inserted intothe patient's vertebrae to serve as anchor points that can then beconnected with a rod. This construct prevents motion of the vertebralsegments that are to be fused.

In the treatment of detached tendons, screw-like tissue anchors areinserted into the patient's bone to serve as an anchor for thereattachment of the tendon.

One complication with the use of bone screws is the loss of fixation orgrip between the bone screw and the patient's bone. Another complicationwith the use of bone screws is the stripping of the hole in the bonewhen the bone screw is inserted. This results in the loss of purchaseand holding strength of the bone screw.

The presence of osteoporotic bone can increase the likelihood ofcomplications by reducing the purchase or grip of the bone screw to thepatient's bone, resulting in a loss of holding strength and loosening ofthe bone screw or pullout of the bone screw.

Current solutions to secure bone screws have not adequately addressedscrew failure and the underlying causes of screw failure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for devices, systems and methods that enhance thesurface of a bone hole to provide enhanced fixation of a bone anchor tothe bone. Additionally, there is a need for devices, systems and methodsfor repairing the surface of the bone hole following damage to the bonehole as in the case of stripping of the hole in the bone when a bonescrew is over-tightened. Also, there is a need for devices, systems andmethods for providing an enhanced bone hole surface for the reattachmentof tendons in, for example anterior/posterior cruciate ligament repairprocedures, rotator cuff repair procedures, etc. There is a need for adevice that enhances the surface of a bone hole to enhance fixation of abone anchor to bone and permits bone ingrowth into its structure. Thereis a need for a single device that enhances the surface of a bone holeto enhance fixation of a bone anchor to bone and accommodates variationsin the diameter and depth of the bone hole.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a woven retentiondevice is provided for interfacing with a bone surface. The retentiondevice can include a sleeve body including a plurality of interwovenfilaments forming a substantially tubular lattice. The tubular latticemay have a plurality of protuberances distributed on an interior surfaceand an exterior surface of the tubular lattice at a predeterminedspatial relationship. The sleeve body can surround at least a portion ofa fastener, and each of the plurality of protuberances may be formed byan intersection point of two or more of the plurality of interwovenfilaments. The retention device also includes a proximal end that isproximal to the sleeve body and can receive at least a portion of thefastener. The retention device may further include a distal end that isdistal to the sleeve body. In a first, relaxed state, the sleeve bodymay have a plurality of combinations of filament cross-sectiongeometries at the intersection points. The plurality of combinations offilament cross-section geometries may form a plurality of protuberancethicknesses, where a thickness of each protuberance may be measured in aradial direction of the sleeve body. In a second state when surroundingat least a portion of the fastener, the sleeve body can distributepressure from the fastener to multiple points of contact on the exteriorsurface such that the spatial relationship of the plurality ofprotuberances changes as a function of bone density of the bone surfaceand as a function of an interfacing surface shape of the fastener.

In an aspect of an embodiment, the interwoven filaments can include afirst plurality of sets of filaments that runs in a first helicaldirection and a second plurality of sets of filaments that runs in adirection intersecting the first plurality of sets of filaments. Foreach set of the first and second plurality of sets of filaments, theremay be a substantially same arrangement of cross-section geometries atevery other intersection along that set, the substantially samearrangement being different from an arrangement of cross-sectiongeometries at remaining intersections along that set. In some aspects ofan embodiment, each of the first plurality of sets of filaments caninclude a first outer filament and a first inner filament, and each ofthe second plurality of sets of filaments can include a second outerfilament and a second inner filament. The one of the first or secondouter filaments and the first or second inner filaments can be a roundmonofilament and one of the first or second outer filaments and thefirst or second inner filaments can be a flat multifilament.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the plurality ofinterwoven filaments can follow a two-under/two-over configuration,where at each intersection, the round monofilament either overlies bothof the intersecting filaments or is overlain by both of the intersectingfilaments and the flat multifilament overlies one of the intersectingfilaments and is overlain by another of the intersecting filaments.

In some embodiments, the round monofilaments may have a diameter in arange of about 0.1 mm-0.4 mm. In an embodiment, the round monofilamentsmay have a diameter of 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the multifilamentsmay have a linear mass density in a range of about 150-250 denier. In anembodiment, the multifilaments have a linear mass density of about 200denier

According to aspects of an embodiment of the present invention, thedistal end of the retention device may have a distal tip with a firstdiameter, and the receiving portion may have a second diameter that isgreater than the first diameter. In one aspect, the distal end may beclosed.

The plurality of interwoven filaments may include alternating roundmonofilaments and flat multifilaments. The plurality of interwovenfilaments may be arranged in a three-under/three-over configuration. Theinterwoven filaments may outline interstices that allow for boneingrowth, and the interstices formed by the interwoven filaments caninclude differently shaped and differently sized interstices. In therelaxed state, the interwoven filaments may extend around the tubularlattice at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinaldirection of the woven retention device.

In an aspect of an embodiment, the fastener can apply pressure to aprotrusion on the inner surface, the pressure can be transmitted toprotrusions on the outer surface extending around the protrusion on theinner surface and exerting pressure on bone material. In someembodiments, the fastener can be a screw having a screw thread and theinterior surface can interact with the screw. In an aspect of anembodiment, the retention device includes the fastener.

The distributed protuberances can be arranged in a diamond-shapedpattern grid. The tubular lattice has an outer radius that may span froma furthest outwardly extending protuberance in the radial direction onthe exterior surface of the tubular lattice to a center point of thetubular lattice. The tubular lattice can have an inner radius that mayspanning from a furthest inwardly protruding protuberance in the axialdirection on the interior surface of the tubular lattice to the centerpoint of the tubular lattice. The tubular lattice may have an averageradius that is an average between the outer radius and the inner radius,and the outer radius of the tubular lattice can be greatest at theintersection points of the thickest filaments. The average diameter maybe in a range of about 1.5 mm to 9.0 mm. The woven retention device mayhave a length in a range from about 30 mm to 40 mm.

In an aspect of an embodiment, the sleeve body can distribute pressurefrom the fastener on the interior surface-side of the protuberance tothe exterior surface-side. The retention device may have at least 10%more pullout force than the fastener in the bone hole without theretention device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a retentiondevice for interfacing with a bone surface is provided. The retentiondevice may include a sleeve body including a plurality of intersectingfilaments that form a substantially tubular wall. The tubular wall mayhave an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the sleeve bodymay be configured to surround at least a portion of a fastener on aninterior surface-side of the tubular wall. The retention device alsoincludes a proximal end and a distal end, with the sleeve body extendingbetween the proximal and distal ends. The retention device may furtherinclude a plurality of protuberances distributed on the tubular wall,and each of the plurality of protuberances can be formed by intersectingtwo or more of the plurality of intersecting filaments. The plurality ofintersecting filaments can include a plurality of filament cross-sectiongeometries and the plurality of protuberances may have a plurality ofprotuberance thicknesses based on a plurality of combinations of thefilament cross-section geometries. A thickness of each of the pluralityof protuberances may be based on a particular combination of theplurality of filament cross-section geometries at the intersectionpoint. The thickness can be measured in a radial direction of the sleevebody. The sleeve body, when surrounding at least a portion of thefastener, can distribute pressure from the fastener on the interiorsurface-side of a protuberance to an exterior surface-side of two ormore protuberances, and the plurality of protuberance thicknesses mayaccommodate deviations in the bone surface.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention areset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a screw, a woven retention deviceand a bone, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a screw and a woven retention device fixed inside a bonehole, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic cross-section view of a bone hole with a wovenretention device to be inserted, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic cross-section side view of a woven retentiondevice inside a bone hole and a fastener outside the bone hole to beinserted, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2C and 2D show schematic side cross-section views of a fastenerinserted into a bone hole and within a woven retention device where thebone has a different density in each of FIGS. 2C and 2D, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section view of a wovenretention device in a bone hole, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B shows the schematic longitudinal cross-section view of a wovenretention device in a bone hole along with an inserted screw, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows interaction forces between a screw, a woven retentiondevice and a bone, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D shows a schematic axial view of a fastener in a woven retentiondevice along with resulting pressures, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 shows forces in a longitudinal direction of a woven retentiondevice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A shows an illustration of a woven retention device, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows a slanted sectional slice of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of a woven retention device having atapered end, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a two-over/two-under monofilament/multi-filament weave of awoven retention device, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 shows a woven retention device with a tapered end along itslongitudinal axis, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of a portion of the woven retention deviceshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 8 of thewoven retention device.

FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 8 of thewoven retention device.

FIG. 11A shows an end view of the woven retention device of FIG. 8 asseen from a non-tapered end view.

FIG. 11B shows an axial view of the woven retention device of FIG. 8 asseen from a tapered end view.

FIG. 12A shows a tapered end of a woven retention device having a closedend, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B shows a distal end view of the closed end of the wovenretention device shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 shows a section of a woven retention device, illustrating arepresentative fiber angle, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 shows a section of a woven retention device, illustratinganother representative fiber angle, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 shows a section of a woven retention device illustratingmultiple locations and/or points of contact on an exterior surface ofthe woven retention device, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16A shows a representation of a woven retention device with a forceor pressure applied to a location and/or point on an inside of theretention device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16B shows a view of a region of an interior surface of the wovenretention device at the point shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C shows a view of a region of an exterior surface of the wovenretention surface at the point shown on FIG. 16A.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show perspective views of two woven retention deviceseach having different lengths, according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 17C and 17D show two woven retention devices each having differentlengths, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17E, 17F and 17G show a woven retention device in a relaxed state,in a stretched state, and in an implanted state, respectively, accordingto embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of a screw, a woven retention device anda pedicle hole, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a pullout strength comparison for a screw, a screw in astripped bone hole, and a woven retention device with screw in astripped bone hole, according to an example of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 shows a pullout force versus hole diameter for a screw and ascrew with a woven retention device, in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows another pullout force versus hole diameter for a screw anda screw with a woven retention device, in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows another pullout force versus hole diameter for a screw anda screw with a woven retention device, in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows a flow diagram of a method of utilizing a woven retentiondevice in an embodiment, in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention areset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

The devices, systems and methods described herein may be used in thearea of orthopedics and, in particular, orthopedic repairs. Theseinclude various devices, systems and methods directed to fixing and/orretaining fasteners in orthopedic applications. Fixing or retainingfasteners to bone tissue is complicated by the underlining bone tissue.Understanding that an underlying cause of failure with internal fixationin bone tissue is the bone, the devices, systems and methods describedherein provide for solutions that address the implant site. At theimplant site, the hole and the bone benefit from an enhanced interface.

The fixation and/or retention devices, systems and methods describedherein maximize fixation and/or retention in the bone tissue, including,osteoporotic bone, bone of a poor quality, and mechanically poor bone inaddition to healthy bone tissue. The fixation and/or retention devices,systems and methods described herein may be used with any type offixation including, any types of screws.

The devices, systems and methods described herein enhance theinteraction of a bone anchor to a bone hole to provide enhancedfixation. Additionally, the devices, systems and methods may repair thesurface of the bone hole following damage to the bone hole as in thecase of stripping of the hole in the bone when a bone screw isover-tightened. Also, the devices, systems and methods provide for anenhanced bone hole surface for the reattachment of tendons in, forexample, anterior/posterior cruciate ligament repair procedures, rotatorcuff repair procedures, etc. The devices enhance the surface of a bonehole to enhance fixation of a bone anchor to bone and permits boneingrowth into its structure. The devices enhance the interaction betweenthe surface of a bone hole and the fixation device. The devicesinterdigitate with the bony structure and interact with the fixationdevice. The device alone, as a single device, enhances the surface of abone hole to enhance fixation of a bone anchor to bone and accommodatesvariations in the diameter and depth of the bone hole. The devices,systems and methods can enhance fixation without requiring the use ofcement and/or adhesives.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A and 1B show a woven retentiondevice 100 for interfacing with a bone surface 104, according to anexample of an embodiment. The retention device 100, as shown, may have ageneral configuration or construction in the form of a hollow tubularshape shown as a sleeve body 106 including a plurality of interwovenfilaments that may form a substantially tubular lattice. The generalconfiguration of the hollow tubular shape can be selected to accommodatea typical shape of a pilot hole in bone, for example. Variousconfigurations of the sleeve body 106 can be contemplated in accordancewith the principles of the invention.

The lattice may include a plurality of protuberances distributed on aninterior surface 110 and an exterior surface 108 of the lattice at apredetermined spatial relationship. Each of the plurality ofprotuberances may be formed by an intersection of filaments. Moreparticularly, each of the plurality of protuberances may be formed by anintersection point of two or more of the plurality of interwovenfilaments. The intersection can be referred to as a location and/orpoint. Additionally, the interwoven filaments may outline intersticesthat allow for bone ingrowth. The woven retention device can also have aproximal end 114 that is proximal to the sleeve body 106 and that isconfigured to receive at least a portion of a fastener 102 such that thesleeve body 106 may surround at least a portion of the fastener 102 wheninserted therein. The woven retention device 100 can also have a distalend 116 that is distal to the sleeve body 106. In some embodiments, thedistal end 116 is formed to ease insertion of the woven retention device100 into the bone hole 101. For example, the distal end 116 in FIG. 1Ais tapered. The lattice can be a tubular lattice.

The woven retention device 100 can be inserted into a hole in a bone andinteract with both the bone and a screw. While the woven retentiondevice 100 can achieve an interference fit functionality by providingadditional interference in between the fastener and the bone, in someembodiments, the woven retention device can instead of and/or inaddition to function as a woven retention device in accordance with theconfigurations, functions and advantages that are discussed herein. Forexample, the woven retention device can have a dual interface between aradial screw surface on one side and multiple points of contact on abone surface on the other side. The dual interfaces on the retentiondevice are configured to be adapted to the bony structure on the outsideand the screw on the inside, as described herein in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. The woven retention device can beparticularly beneficial for osteoporotic or weakened bone that has morespace gaps than normal bone to allow additional points of contact forthe interface to contact.

FIG. 1A shows the woven retention device 100 in an exploded state withthe fastener 102 outside of the retention device, and both the fastener102 and the retention device 100 are outside of the bone hole. FIG. 1Bshows the fastener 102 inside the woven retention device 100, which isinside the bone. FIGS. 1A and 1B also illustrate an example of a porousinterior structure of the bone. However, embodiments of the inventionare not limited to being used with the exact porous structure shown, asthe structure and porosity of bone can vary. In addition, although thebone illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B resembles a human femur, embodimentsof the invention are not limited to a particular bone. An advantage ofsome embodiments of the invention is that a woven retention device canbe provided for use in a variety of bones and bones exhibiting varyinglevels of porosity.

FIG. 2A shows a sleeve body 106 to be inserted into a bone hole 101 in abone 103. According to this embodiment, the distal end 116 tapers to adistal tip 115 that has a smaller diameter than the sleeve body 106. Thetapering at the distal tip 115 can ease insertion of the woven retentiondevice 100 into the bone hole 101. For example, in some embodiments, thediameter of the sleeve body 106 may be equal to or larger than adiameter of the bone hole 101, and the tapering at the distal tip 115can allow the distal end 116 to find its way into the bone hole 101. Forexample, after the distal end 116 is at least partially inserted intothe bone hole 101, a remainder of the woven retention device 100 canmore easily be inserted into the bone hole 101 and, in a case where thediameter of the sleeve body 106 is larger than the diameter of the bonehole 101, the woven retention device 100 can compress radially as thesleeve body 106 is inserted into the bone hole 101. In addition, asdiscussed further below, the tapering of the distal end 116 and smallerdiameter of the distal tip 115 can provide a surface on the interior ofthe woven retention device 100 for pushing against with a push rod toinsert the woven retention device 100 into the bone hole 101, accordingto some embodiments. The woven retention device 100 may be in a first,relaxed state at the position shown in FIG. 2A. During or afterinsertion into the bone hole 101, however, the woven retention device100 may also assume a radially contracted or radially expanded state.

The plurality of interwoven filaments, according to an embodiment of thewoven retention device 100, are visible in FIG. 2A. As discussed indetail further below, these filaments may include one or more varietiesof filament shapes and sizes such that the sleeve body 106 can have aplurality of combinations of filament cross-section geometries at theintersection of the filaments, which can also be referred to asintersection points of the filaments. Because each intersection of thefilaments may form a protuberance 150, the plurality of combinations offilament cross-section geometries may form a plurality of protuberancethicknesses, each thickness being measured in a radial direction of thesleeve body 106. For example, a cross-section geometry can include ashape of the cross-section and/or a size of the cross-section. Thecombination of the filament cross-section geometries can include thecross-section geometries of both filaments at the intersection.

FIG. 2B shows a simplified schematic cross-section of the bone hole 101and the woven retention device 100 inserted therein. For example, theundulating lines representing the sides of the woven retention device100 in FIG. 2B may represent the plurality of protuberances 150 _(o),150 _(i) on the exterior and interior, respectively, of the wovenretention device 100 by the series of peaks formed on the respectivewalls of the woven retention device 100. In the implanted state thewoven retention device 100 is adapted to receive the fastener 102. Inone embodiment, the fastener 102 can be a screw having a windingprotrusion 118, such as a thread of a screw. The woven retention device100 can be configured such that when the protrusion 118 applies pressureto a protuberance on the interior surface, the pressure is transmittedto protrusions on the exterior surface extending around the protrusionon the interior surface and exerting pressure on bone material.

Embodiments of the invention are not limited to being used with ascrew-type fastener. In some embodiments, the fastener may be a nail,rod, prosthetic, or other device for implanting at least partially in abone. Additionally, in some embodiments a biological material orstructure, such as a ligament, may be inserted into the woven retentiondevice.

FIGS. 2C and 2D show that in a second state, when surrounding at least aportion of the fastener 102, the sleeve body 106 is configured to engagethe bone 103 surrounding the bone hole 101, and may distribute pressurefrom the fastener 102 to multiple points of contact on the exteriorsurface of the woven retention device 100 such that the spatialrelationship of the plurality of protuberances may change. The spatialrelationship of the plurality of protuberances may change as a functionof bone density of the bone surface 104. For example, FIG. 2C shows abone 103 that is more dense than the bone 103′ of FIG. 2D. Thus, whenthe fastener 102 applies pressure on the woven retention device 100, thewoven retention device 100 is displaced more prominently in the lessdense surface of FIG. 2D than the denser bone surface of FIG. 2C. Thisdisplacement of the woven retention device 100 corresponds to a changein the spatial relationship of the plurality of protuberances (theprotuberances themselves are not shown in the simplified schematic viewof FIGS. 2C and 2D) on the exterior surface, which can allow for greaterinterdigitation of the woven retention device 100 with the bone surface.In one embodiment, the force from the protuberances on the exteriorsurface changes the shape of the bone. It is noted that theillustrations of the bones 103 and 103′ in FIGS. 2C and 2D aresimplified schematic representations. In practice, the surfaces of thebones 103 and 103′ that are engaged by the woven retention device 100may be irregular, including a series of voids and projections, forexample. Accordingly, the variation in displacement of the sides of thewoven retention device 100 when the fastener 102 is inserted canaccomplish improved engagement between the woven retention device 100and the bone 103 or 103′ (and correspondingly provide the fastener 102with greater purchase in the bone).

The spatial relationship of the plurality of protuberances can alsochange as a function of loading and/or the fastener. The spatialrelationship of the plurality of protuberances can change as a functionof an interfacing surface shape of the fastener 102. As shown in FIG.2C, the fastener 102 can be a screw. In one embodiment, the screw can bea cancellous screw. In another embodiment, the screw can be a corticalscrew. The screw can have crests 124 that are the most outwardlyprotruding portions of the thread of the screw and can have valleys 136,which are the innermost portions of the screws. The screw can havevarious levels of coarseness of the threads, representing larger pitch(fewer threads per axial distance). In one embodiment, where the screwhas a larger pitch, for instance in a larger size of screw, theretention device when interfacing with the screw can change toaccommodate the coarse threads. For example, the retention device canadapt to follow the crests 124 and the valleys 136 to create a generalwave pattern. On the other hand, in the case of a smaller diameterscrew, or a finer thread with smaller pitch, the retention device candeform or bend over the peaks of the threads less. Thus, in oneembodiment, the absolute value of pullout resistance can be greater witha larger screw but the delta between the differential can be smallerwith the larger diameter screw because of additional interwinding of theintermediary point of contact. That is, in one embodiment, theprotuberances on the exterior surface do not interface as much with thebone because of some of the protuberances folding inward because of thecoarseness of the thread. Whereas on the small diameter screw, the wovenretention device can move more uniformly, which can allow for greaterinterdigitation. Thus, because there can be less chance for thoseinterdigitation points to reach into the valleys of the threads, thereis more interaction with the bony surface.

The spatial relationship of the plurality of protuberances can alsochange as a function of an interfacing surface shape based on the lengthof the surface. For example, the surface of the fastener 102 can also bevarious lengths. As seen from FIGS. 20-22, even though the change inpullout resistance can be greater with large screws than small screws intotal pullout resistance, the small screw can have greater pulloutresistance as a measure of percent change. One factor that affects thesmall screw having a greater pullout resistance in percent change isthat more interaction with the woven retention device 100 can bepossible with a smaller fastener as a percentage of the fastener'spercentage of coverage. This can result in a larger differential in pullout resistance in the smaller sizes than there is in the larger sizesbecause of the increased interaction. In one embodiment, the mechanicalproperties of the woven retention device can compensate for differencesin the fastener surface. For example, to increase bone surfaceinteraction with a fastener 102 that has a coarse thread, a wovenretention device with a greater level of stability can be used toprevent the filaments from retreating too far into the valleys 136 andinstead interacting with the bone surface.

In some embodiments, the woven retention device 100 may be specificallyconfigured for a bone of a particular density or range of densities. Forexample, the structural configuration, material properties, or otheraspects of the woven retention device may be adjusted to provide desiredengagement with the bone surface of a particular density or range ofdensities. However, in some embodiments, a particular woven retentiondevice may be suitable for use in bones of varying densities.

FIG. 3A shows an alternative schematic representation of a cross-sectionof the woven retention device 100, according to an embodiment. Thecross-section of the woven retention device in FIG. 3A reveals anexample of the constituent filament cross-section geometries 121A, 121B,121C that contribute to the protuberances 150A_(o), 150B_(o), 150C_(o),150A_(i), 150B_(i), 150C_(i) of the woven retention device 100. At leastone filament 112C can be seen weaving over and under adjacent filaments112A, 112B with substantially circular cross-sections. The wovenretention device in FIG. 3A is positioned within the bone hole 101 butwithout the fastener, resulting in an inner diameter ID1 and an outerdiameter OD1 of the woven retention device 100. Outer diameter OD1 canbe a distance from an outermost protuberance on the exterior surface ofone side to a protuberance on the exterior surface on the opposing side.Further, inner diameter ID1 can be a distance from an innermostprotuberance on the interior surface of one side to an innermostprotuberance on the interior surface of an opposing side. Therelationship between the outer diameter OD1 and the inner diameter ID1can be based on the thickness or diameter of the filaments.

FIG. 3B shows an alternative fastener 202 that interfaces with the wovenretention device 100. As can be seen, FIG. 3B shows that the fastener202 changes the spatial relationship of the protuberances (e.g.,protuberances 150 _(o) from the spatial relationship in FIG. 3A. Whileouter diameter OD2 can still be a distance from an outermostprotuberance on the exterior surface of one side to a protuberance onthe exterior surface on the opposing side and inner diameter ID2 canstill be a distance from an innermost protuberance on the interiorsurface of one side to an innermost protuberance on the interior surfaceof an opposing side, a change in the spatial relationship can result ina larger inner diameter ID2 and outer diameter OD2. The OD2 distance canbe a distance larger than outer diameter OD1. Similarly, in oneembodiment, the distance ID2 can be larger than the distance ID1. Theamount of change of the spatial relationship of the protuberances maychange based on the alternative constructions of the fasteners 102 and202 in FIGS. 2C and 3B, respectively. For example, bone screws areprovided in various size and types, which may have different minordiameters, major diameters, thread pitches, pitch diameters, andlengths.

The change in the spatial relationship of the protuberances betweenFIGS. 3A and 3B can be, in one embodiment, understood as a radialexpansion of the woven retention device 100 upon insertion of a fastenertherein. This radial expansion can be substantially uniform, asindicated by the uniform displacement of the woven retention device 100from ID1, OD1 in FIG. 3A to ID2, OD2 in FIG. 3B. As the radial expansionoccurs, the spatial relationship between the protuberances on thesurface of the woven retention device changes (i.e., the protuberancesmay spread apart from one another like points on the surface of aninflating balloon). However, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention, the woven retention device 100 may not expanduniformly when in the bone hole 101. For example, depending on thespecific structure of a non-uniform bone surface within the bone hole101, and depending on the characteristics of the fastener andconfiguration of the woven retention device, the change in spatialrelationship of the protuberances may not be uniform, and may insteadinclude localized changes in the protuberance dispositions. Suchlocalized changes may occur in multiple areas of the woven retentiondevice and may include varying degrees of disposition changes betweendifferent areas of the retention device. This capability and/orflexibility provided by some embodiments of the present invention mayprovide for better bone engagement and fastener retention.

FIG. 3C shows the different radial pressures that can be applied whenthe fastener 202 is inserted into the woven retention device 100, whichis disposed in the bone 103. For example, after the fastener 202 isinserted, the outward radial pressure supplied by the fastener altersthe disposition of the woven retention device 100, as discussed above.As a result, pressure P1 is exerted between the retention device 100 andfastener 202. Thus, corresponding pressure P2 is exerted between theretention device 100 and the bone 103 from the pressure transferred bythe retention device 100 from the fastener 202. In other words, thewoven retention device 100 is a dual-interface. The dual interfaceincludes an inner, fastener-retention device interface and an outer,retention device-bone interface. These two interfaces work inconjunction to provide improved fastener retention and holding power inthe bone.

FIG. 3D shows a schematic axial view of the retention device 100 andfastener 202 that are shown in FIG. 3C. For clarity with respect to thepressure forces P1, FIG. 3D shows space between the fastener 202 and aninside of the woven retention device 100, and thus FIG. 3D is not toscale. From the perspective in FIG. 3D, it can be appreciated that thepressures P1 and P2 can radiate in all directions with respect to acenter of the woven retention device 100. In addition, according to someembodiments of the invention, a pressure P1 exerted between the fastener202 and an interior protuberance 150, can be transferred through thewoven retention device 100 to multiple exterior protuberances 150A_(o)and 150B_(o) to exert pressure P2 at multiple points of contact with thebone.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a fastener 102 inside of a retention device100 and inside a bone hole 101, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Longitudinal forces F_(L) can act betweeninterdigitated portions of the retention device (e.g., the protuberances150 _(i), 150 _(o)) and the bone surface 151, and between the retentiondevice 100 and the fastener 102. These longitudinal forces can act toprevent pullout of the fastener 102, which can add to the resiliency ofthe fastener 102 in the longitudinal direction. For example, because ofthe interaction between the protuberances 150, on the interior surface110 of the woven retention device 100 and the surface of the fastener(which can optionally be screw ridge 118), there is increased resistanceand it is more difficult for the fastener 102 to be pulled out.Similarly, because of the interaction between the protuberance 150 _(o)on the exterior surface 108 and the surface 151 of the bone 103, thereis increased resistance to pullout the fastener 102. FIG. 4 also shows agap 113 between the exterior surface 108 of the woven retention device100 and the bone surface 151. The gap 113 may be smaller or largerdepending on the porosity of the bone 103, the configuration of thewoven retention device 100, and the characteristics of the fastener 102.

FIG. 5A shows a woven retention device 1005 according to an embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment, the interwoven filaments of thewoven retention device 100 can include a first plurality 123 of sets offilaments 120 (FIG. 6) that runs in a first helical direction and asecond plurality 125 of sets of filaments 122 (FIG. 6) that runs in adirection intersecting the first plurality 123 of sets of filaments. Asseen in FIG. 5A, each intersection of the first plurality 123 of sets offilaments with the second plurality 125 of sets of filaments may resultin an arrangement of one or more cross-section geometries. At everyother intersection along a particular set of either one of the first orsecond plurality 123, 125 of sets of filaments, the arrangement of theone or more cross-section geometries has a substantially samearrangement of cross-section geometries, and at other intersectionsalong that set of either one of the first or second plurality 123, 125of sets of filaments, there is a substantially different arrangement ofcross-section geometries.

In one embodiment, the sets of filaments have a degree of stability andrigidity to form a tubular lattice in the relaxed state. The flexibilityand stability of the tubular lattice may be such that the wovenretention device 100 is able to return to an initial state from adeformed state. The deformed state may be the result of the wovenretention device being in compression or tension either radially orlongitudinally, and the deformation may be elastic deformation.

FIG. 5B shows one embodiment of the plurality of combinations offilament cross-section geometries forming a plurality of protuberancegeometries of the retention device shown in FIG. 5A. The geometries mayinclude, for example, shape, configuration, arrangement, and/orthickness of the filament(s) and/or the protuberance(s). For example, afirst thickness 302 represents the thickness of an intersection of twofilaments 310, 312, each having a relatively small thickness. In someembodiments, this intersection may be formed by a multifilament (310)overlapping another multifilament (312). Further, a second thickness 304represents the thickness of an intersection of two filaments 310, 314,the filament 310 having a relatively small thickness and the filament314 having a relatively large thickness. In some embodiments, thisintersection may be formed by a multifilament (310) overlapping amonofilament (314). A third thickness 306 represents the thickness of anintersection of two filaments 312, 316. In an embodiment, thisintersection may be formed by a multifilament (312) over a monofilament(316). The thicknesses 304 and 306 may have a same thickness if thefilaments 310 and 312 have a same thickness, and the filaments 314 and316 have a same thickness. Alternatively, the thicknesses of filaments310 and 312 may be different, and the thickness of filaments 310 and 312may be different, while the thicknesses 304 and 306 may be the same ordifferent. Next, a fourth thickness 308 represents the thickness betweentwo relatively thick filaments 314, 316. In an embodiment, thisintersection may be formed by a monofilament overlapping a monofilament.Thus, each of the protuberance geometries and/or thicknesses 302, 304,306, 308 allow for interfacing with the fastener on one side and thebone on the other side, and distributing pressure outwardly from thefastener to the bone in a distributed manner.

As described above, protuberances on the interior surface of the wovenretention device interface with the fastener and the protuberances ofthe exterior surface of the woven retention device interface with thebone surface. According to the varying protuberance thicknessesdescribed above, the tubular lattice of the woven retention device 100may have an outer radius spanning from a furthest outwardly extendingprotuberance in the radial direction on the exterior surface of thetubular lattice to a center point and/or a central axis of the tubularlattice, the tubular lattice having an inner radius spanning from afurthest inwardly protruding protuberance in the radial direction on theinterior surface of the tubular lattice to the center point of thetubular lattice. The tubular lattice may have an average radius that isan average between the outer radius and the inner radius. In oneembodiment, the outer radius of the woven retention device 100 isgreatest at the cross-section geometries that have the greatestprotuberance thicknesses. Further, the inner radius of the wovenretention device 100 may be the smallest at the cross-section geometriesthat have the largest protuberance thicknesses.

In one embodiment in a relaxed state, distributed protuberances on theouter surface can have more than two different heights in relation tothe distance from a center point of the cross-section of the tubularlattice to peaks of the distributed protuberances on the exteriorsurface. Further, the distributed protuberances on the exterior surfacecan have more than two different angles of protrusions, or amplitudes,where the amplitude of a multifilament overlying a monofilament has ahigher amplitude than that of a monofilament where the monofilamentoverlies a monofilament. Further, the angle, protrusion, and/orcurvature of the multifilament overlying a monofilament is greater thanthat of a multifilament overlying a multifilament because the varianceor the steepness of the curve of the multi-filament is greater. Thefilaments, density, and/or pick count, for example, can contribute tothe difference in the sharpness, angle and/or amplitude of theprotrusions. The more pronounced the protrusion, the sharper theprotrusion can be considered. Various relationships between the diameterof the retention device, the thickness of the first filament(s) and thethickness of the overlying filament(s), and the weave pattern contributeto the resulting protuberances and protuberance geometries. Varying theprotuberances and protuberance geometries can provide for wovenretention devices having predetermined protuberances that accommodatevarious bony structures. The different heights and angles of distributedprotuberances on the exterior surface can allow for interdigitation withbone surfaces, especially if the bone surface is irregularly shaped.

In a second state when a fastener is inserted into the tubular lattice,pressure from the fastener can be transmitted to the tubular latticesuch that at least one of (i) the heights of the protuberances on theexterior surface, (ii) the amplitudes of the protuberances on theexterior surface, and (iii) the ratio of the height to the averageradius, can change to accommodate deviations in the bone surface.

FIG. 6 shows a woven retention device according to an embodiment where adistal end 116 of the woven retention device 100 has a distal tip 115with a first diameter D₁, and the receiving portion has a seconddiameter D₂ that is greater than the first diameter D₁. In oneembodiment, a diameter D₂ of the proximal end 114 is substantially sameas a diameter of the sleeve body 106. In contrast to FIG. 5A, theembodiment shown in FIG. 6 may have the distal end 116 tapered. Forexample, a set 120 of the first plurality 123 of sets of filamentsincludes a monofilament 126 and a multifilament 128 (as shown in FIG.7). A set 122 of the second plurality 125 of sets of filaments includesa monofilament 132 and a multifilament 130 (as shown in FIG. 7).

According to an embodiment, the woven retention device 100 can includeup to ten sets of filaments in each of the first and second plurality123, 125 of sets of filaments. In another embodiment, for each of thefirst and second plurality 123, 125 of sets of filaments, the wovenretention device 100 can include at least two sets of filaments. Thus,each of the sets of filaments may have a degree of flexibility thatallows for expandability of the woven retention device 100. The filamentproperties and characteristics can be varied, and the number offilaments used in the weave contributes to the stability and/or rigidityof the woven retention device. For example, a small-sized wovenretention device may include a half set of filaments such as 12 filamentin one direction and 12 in the other direction. Whereas, a larger sizemay weave 24 filaments and 24 filaments. Depending upon the size of thewoven retention device, a range of the quantity of filaments can varyfrom 2/2 to 36/36. For example, the quantity of filaments can be 8/8,10/10, 12/12, 24/24 and/or 36/36, according to some embodiments.Additionally, other filament quantities are also possible. An evennumber of filaments and bobbins are contemplated, resulting in asymmetrical pattern. But an odd number of filaments can be utilized aswell and would result in a non-symmetrical pattern.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up of the woven retention device 1007 according toan embodiment having a combination of different filaments. The filamentscan be of different shapes and diameters. For example, the filaments canbe a combination of round filaments and flat filaments, or all flatfilaments, or all round filaments. The shapes of the filaments are notlimited to flat and round, however, and may also include rectangular,triangular, and elliptical shapes, or other cross-section shapes. Asshown in FIG. 7, the woven retention device has flat multifilaments 142and round monofilaments 140. In one embodiment, the flat multifilaments142 have a larger width than height. In one embodiment, the roundmonofilaments 140 have a substantially circular cross-section. Accordingto some embodiments, the thickness of the monofilaments 140 is greaterthan the thickness of the multifilaments 142. According to thecombinations of different filaments used, different types of filamentintersections can be provided. For example, each of intersections 144,145, 146, and 147 can comprise a different arrangement and/orcombination of filaments, as discussed further below.

FIG. 8 shows the woven retention device 1008 with a tapered distal end116 along its longitudinal axis.

FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of the woven retention device 1008 of FIG.8, according to one embodiment. As explained below, a set of filamentscan include one or more filaments. In one embodiment, a set of filamentscan include filaments that are side by side and the filaments includingan inner filament and an outer filament. The inner filament in oneembodiment can be disposed on the left of the outer filament, as viewedfacing the receiving portion in a longitudinal direction. For example,FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a woven retention device 1008, whereineach of the first plurality 123 (FIG. 5A) of sets of filaments 120includes a first inner filament 126 and a first outer filament 128, andeach of the second plurality 125 (FIG. 5A) of sets of filaments 122includes a second inner filament 132 and a second outer filament 130. Inone embodiment, one of the outer filaments and the inner filaments canbe a round monofilament 140 and one of the outer filaments and the innerfilaments can be a flat multifilament 142. In one embodiment, the wovenretention device 1008 is configured such that the plurality ofinterwoven filaments are comprised of alternating round monofilamentsand flat multifilaments. In this embodiment, each of the sets offilaments can have a consistent and uniform order of filaments, whichallows for a uniform arrangement of protuberances.

As shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the first inner filament 126 canbe a flat multifilament 142, the first outer filament 128 can be a roundmonofilament 140, the second inner filament 132 can be a flatmultifilament 142 and the second outer filament 130 can be a roundmonofilament 140. In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the firstinner filament 126 can be a round monofilament 140, the first outerfilament 128 can be a flat multifilament 142 and the second outerfilament 130 can be a flat multifilament 142 and the second innerfilament 132 can be a round monofilament 140. In another embodiment, thefirst inner filament 126 can be a flat multifilament 142 and the firstouter filament 128 can be a flat multifilament 142 while the secondouter filament 130 can be a round monofilament 140 and the second innerfilament 132 can be a round monofilament 140.

Each of the different monofilament/multifilament arrangements allow forthe protuberances to occur at different regions. In FIG. 9, theprotuberances form a diamond arrangement shown by the shape defined byintersection points 144′, 145′, 146′, and 147′. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the first inner filament 126 and the second outer filament 130being monofilaments results in a pronounced protuberance (e.g., aprotuberance having the thickness 308 in FIG. 5B) to occur at a topintersection point 144 of a diamond arrangement of the combination ofintersections, the diamond arrangement being defined by the shapeoutlined by intersection points 144, 145, 146, and 147. On the otherhand, as shown in FIG. 9, having the first outer filament 128 and thesecond outer filament 130 being monofilaments results in a pronouncedprotuberances to occur at a bottom 146′ of a diamond arrangement of thecombination of intersections, the diamond arrangement being defined bythe shape outlined by intersection points 144′, 145′, 146′, and 147′.

As can be seen from FIG. 9, the woven retention device 1008 can beconfigured so that the plurality of interwoven filaments follow atwo-under/two-over configuration, where each of the filaments overlietwo intersecting filaments and underlie two intersecting filaments. Inanother embodiment, at each intersection point, a round monofilamenteither overlies both of the intersecting filaments or is overlain byboth of the intersecting filaments and the flat multifilament overliesone of the intersecting filaments and is overlain by the other of theintersecting filaments. However, other contemplated embodiments includea one-over-one weave provided that there is sufficient rigidity andflexibility of the filaments to generate the protuberances.

Alternative weaving patterns besides the two-over/two-underconfiguration are also contemplated within the broad inventiveprinciples disclosed herein. A one-over/one-under configuration iscontemplated where each filament alternatingly overlies and underlies anintersecting filament. In one embodiment, a three-over/three-under weavepattern is contemplated where each filament overlies three intersectingfilaments before underlying three intersecting filaments. In anotherembodiment, a two-over/one-under is contemplated where each filamentoverlies two intersecting filaments and then underlies one intersectingfilament. Alternatively, a one-over/two-under arrangement is alsopossible where a filament overlies one intersecting filament beforeunderlying two intersecting filaments. In another embodiment, athree-over/one-under is contemplated where each filament overlies threeintersecting filaments and then underlies one intersecting filament.Alternatively, a one-over/three-under arrangement is also possible wherea filament overlies one intersecting filament before underlying threeintersecting filaments. With each of these weaving patterns, sufficientstability, rigidity, compressibility, sheer strength, and/or tensilestrength can allow for the pressure from the fastener is able totransmit force in a distributed manner to the bone surface.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show cross sections showing the intersecting filamentsof the woven retention device 1008, representing various cross-sectionalgeometries 149 at the sections A-A and B-B indicated in FIG. 8. Thewoven device 1008 can be configured as shown such that the intersectingsets of filaments form a plurality of cross-sectional geometries and/orthicknesses. In FIG. 10A, section A-A of FIG. 8, the round over roundgrouping represents the intersection of a round monofilament 140 over around monofilament 140. On the other hand, the parallel lines representa flat multifilament 142 over a flat multifilament 142 intersection. InFIG. 10B, section B-B of FIG. 8, the flat line over circle groupingrepresents a flat multifilament 142 over a round monofilament 140whereas a circle over line cross-section geometry represents a roundmonofilament 140 over a flat multifilament 142.

The round monofilaments of the woven retention device can have differingdiameters. In one embodiment, the round monofilaments can have adiameter in a range of about 0.1 mm-0.4 mm. In one embodiment, the roundmonofilament of the woven retention device is 0.2 mm.

The multifilaments of the woven retention device according to someembodiments can have various thicknesses and widths. For example, amultifilament may have a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. Thecross-sectional shape, e.g., flat or round, and the texture, forexample, of the multifilaments can also be relevant. The number offilaments and pattern can also be relevant. As such, with thoseconsiderations, various filament linear mass densities can becontemplated. For example, the multifilaments can have a linear massdensity in a range of about 150-250 denier. In one embodiment, themultifilaments can have a linear mass density of about 200 denier.

The woven retention device can be configured such that the intersectingsets of filaments form a plurality of differently shaped and differentlysized interstices. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the firstinner and outer filaments of one set of first filaments can be groupedcloser to each other than the other sets of first filaments. Likewise,the second inner and outer filaments of one set of second filaments canbe grouped closer to each other than the other sets of second filaments.When the two sets of filaments intersect, as shown in FIG. 9, the areawhich is outlined by the first and second plurality of sets of filamentsis a plurality of differently shaped and differently sized interstices148. By having differently shaped and sized interstices, a moreconducive environment for non-uniform bony surface can allow foringrowth of bone to occur. Additionally, improved interdigitation withthe bony structure can be achieved with a combination of the intersticesand protuberances.

The tapering end portion can be seen from FIGS. 11A and 11B a front andrear axial direction of the woven retention device 1008, as indicated inFIG. 8. An edge of the distal tip 115 can be seen in FIGS. 11A and 11Bfrom inner and outer sides, respectively, the distal end 116 (see FIG.8). The tapered end can be used to facilitate inserting the wovenretention device 1008 into a bone hole. In one embodiment, the taperedend can have at least a portion of the end be closed. As shown in FIGS.12A and 12B, a distal end 116′ of a woven retention device according toanother embodiment has a distal tip 115′ that can be closed to furtherallow for a push rod to push the woven retention device into the hole.The closure of the end can be made (i.e., tip can be made) via knitting,energy (heat stake, laser, optical, ultrasound energy to melt fibers),and chemical (glue, or superglue).

In FIG. 13, the interwoven filaments of a woven retention device 10013extend around the tubular lattice in an angle range of α. In oneembodiment, α can represent a range from about 40-60 degrees withrespect to a longitudinal direction of the woven retention device. Inanother embodiment, α can represent a range from about 15-75 degreeswith respect to a longitudinal direction of the body sleeve. In oneembodiment, α represents 45 degrees. The retention device can, in therelaxed state, have the interwoven filaments that extend around thetubular lattice at about a 45 degree angle with respect to alongitudinal direction of the woven retention device. The configurationand angle α shown in FIG. 13 can correspond to a relaxed state of thewoven retention device 100 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows that the braid angle α for a woven retention device 10014,according to another embodiment. The braid angle α can be smaller than45 degrees. The configuration and braid angle α in FIG. 14 can alsorepresent the woven retention device 10013 of FIG. 13 in a constrictedstate or if the woven retention device 10014 has a predetermineddiameter lower than a predetermined value and the filaments exceed apredetermined thickness. For example, when the woven retention devicehas an average diameter of 2 mm, the braid angle α can be about 35degrees.

FIG. 15 shows the distributed protuberances 150 on the exterior surfaceof the woven retention device 10015 according to an embodiment. Thewoven retention device 10015 can allow for a different loading pattern(dynamic load) than the screw because of uniform radial pressure.Instead of pushing or cutting bone, the screw can push on and deform thewoven structure of the woven retention device 10015, which allows for adistributed force. Preferably, the woven structures can be of a strengthto not be cut or broken by the screw. The interface can be in random orpatterned contacts on the exterior surface and the interior surface. Forexample, FIG. 15 shows that the protuberances 150 are in a substantiallydiamond-shaped pattern grid distributed across the tubular lattice.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional schematic of the retention device (in theshape of a general circle) having an arrow representing a point ofpressure contact on the interior surface 110 of the woven retentiondevice 100. FIG. 16B represents a portion of the interior surface 110covering the bracketed portion of FIG. 16A as viewed from inside thewoven retention device 100. FIG. 16C represents a reverse view from thatof FIG. 16B, and thus shows an outer surface as evidenced by bracket inFIG. 16A as viewed from outside of the woven retention device 100looking in to the radial center. Intersections points Xi₁, Xi₂, Xi₃, andXi₄ on the interior surface 110 in FIG. 16B respectively correspond tointersection points Xo₁, Xo₂, Xo₃, and Xo₄ on the exterior surface 108in FIG. 16C.

As can be seen from FIGS. 16B and 16C, even though the left to rightportions of the portion correspond to different regions of the wovenretention device, the configuration of each portion can appear the same.That is, while an over/under weave on a left side of the interiorsurface can correspond to a under/over weave on a right side of theexterior surface, the left portion in a similar position as the leftportion of the interior surface can resemble a similar configuration ofthe over/under weave. Each of the four Xi regions in FIG. 16Bcorresponds to a protuberance on the interior surface, and the filamentsF1 and F2 can correspond to intersecting multifilaments. When viewedfrom the exterior surface, this same portion shows that the pressure islocated on the right side of the portion. As can be seen, on theinterior surface, filament F1 overlies filament F2 at intersection Xi₁,whereas on the exterior surface filament F2 overlies filament F2 atintersection Xo₁. However, in the left portion of the exterior surface,it resembles the left portion of the interior portion.

In a relaxed state, the woven retention device can be of various lengthsand diameters. FIGS. 17A and 17B show that two differing lengths ofembodiments of woven retention devices 10017A and 10017B, respectively.In one embodiment, the woven retention device can have a length in arange of about 30 mm to 40 mm. The length of the woven retention devicecan come in dynamically cuttable; and/or predetermined length, such assmall—30 mm; medium—40 mm, large—40 mm, and other sizes (or ranges) arealso possible. FIGS. 17C and 17D show two embodiments of woven retentiondevices 10017C and 10017D with differing lengths and each with adiameter that is different from FIGS. 17A and 17B. In one embodiment,the woven retention device can have a diameter of about 1.5 mm to 9.0mm. The diameter of the woven retention device can come in predeterminedsizes, such as (i) small: 2.0 mm fine (can accommodate 1.3 mm to alittle over 2.0 mm pilot hole diameter and can fit 2.0 mm-2.7 mmscrews); (ii) medium: 3.5 mm-6.0 mm course (can accommodate 2.4 mm to alittle over 3.2 mm pilot hole diameters and can fit 3.5-6 mm screws);and (iii) large: 6.5 mm-9 mm very course (can accommodate 4.1 mm to alittle over 5.9 mm pilot hole diameters and can fit 6.5-9.0 mm screws).

FIG. 17E shows a woven retention device 100 in a relaxed state. FIG. 17Fshows that applying pressure in a longitudinal direction stretches thewoven retention device 100 such that the diameter of the woven retentiondevice 100 decreases. In this manner, the woven retention device 100 canbe easily inserted into a bone hole 101. FIG. 17G shows that once insidethe bone hole 101, the woven retention device 100 can have longitudinalforces applied to return the woven retention device 100 to a lessconstricted shape. In this manner, it allows for the woven retentiondevice to snugly fit into the bone hole 101. In a relaxed state, thebraid angles of the interwoven filaments can be larger than the braidangle in a construed or elongated state. In one embodiment, theretention device allows for a maximum distribution of protuberancesbased on the braid angle. Thus, the retention device 100 in theelongated state of FIG. 17F can have less distributed protuberances thanthe retention device 100 in the less constricted state of FIG. 178G.

As can be seen from FIG. 18, a screw can be inserted into the wovenretention device 10018, which can then be inserted into a hole in avertebra. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to being used inany particular bone, and may be configured for use in any bone.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22, various graphs show information pertaining toa woven retention device, which is of the type described herein. Thewoven retention device utilized includes a 2 over/2 under weave pattern,a 0.2 mm monofilament and a 200 denier multifilament. The core diametersvary and are indicated in the respective FIGS. 19-22.

FIG. 19 shows a graph of examples of pullout strengths of a screw incontrol bone hole, a screw in a stripped bone hole, and, according to anexample of an embodiment of the invention, a screw in a woven retentiondevice in a stripped bone hole. A stripped bone hole is one in which ascrew, for one reason or another, has lost purchase or fit. For example,the bone may degrade or break to the point that the fit between the boneand the screw is lost, or part of the structure of the bone may bestripped or sheared by the screw itself, for example. As can be seenfrom FIG. 19, a screw in a stripped bone hole can cause a decrease As inthe pullout strength of the screw as compared to a control screw that isin a bone hole that is not stripped. In addition, the woven retentiondevice in accordance with the principles of the invention can cause anincrease Δw in the force required to pullout the screw as compared tothe screw by itself in a stripped hole. Although not shown in FIG. 19,the woven retention device can increase the pullout strength of thescrew beyond that of a screw in a non-stripped hole, such as the controlscrew, including in cases where the woven retention device is used inconjunction with a screw in a non-stripped hole.

FIG. 20 shows a graph showing examples of different pullout forcesbetween small screws in various different pilot holes. As can be seenfrom FIG. 20, the combination of the screw and woven fixation device, inaccordance with the principles of the invention, has more pullout forcein each of the tested sizes.

FIG. 21 shows a graph showing examples of different pullout forcesbetween medium screws in various different pilot holes. As can be seenfrom FIG. 21, the combination of the screw and woven fixation device, inaccordance with the principles of the invention, has more pullout forcein each of the tested sizes.

FIG. 22 shows a graph showing examples of different pullout forcesbetween large screws in various different pilot holes. As can be seenfrom FIG. 22, the combination of the screw and woven fixation device, inaccordance with the principles of the invention, has more pullout forcein each of the tested sizes.

According to embodiments of the invention, the woven retention devicecan enhance pullout force percentage compared with a screw alone for arange of hole diameters. However, the woven retention device used with asmall screw may allow for a higher percentage increase of pullout forcethan with medium and large screws. For example, the woven retentiondevice according to an embodiment has been shown to add at least a 10%increase in pullout strength compared with the pullout force of a screwwithout a woven retention device. Specifically, for small holediameters, the increase has been shown to be 33% to 77%, according to anexample of one embodiment. For medium hole diameters, the increase hasbeen shown to be 10% to 72%, according to another example of anembodiment. Finally, for large hole diameters, the increase has beenshown to be 12% to 30% according to another example of an embodiment.

Various methods of using the woven retention device can be used. FIG. 23details steps that can be performed in conjunction with the wovenretention device. The woven retention device may be inserted into a bonehole alone and then a fastener can be inserted. Alternatively, the wovenretention device and screw can we combined prior to insertion and thecombination inserted into the bone hole. The invention is not limited tothe steps described in FIG. 22, is not limited to the order of the stepsdisclosed, and does not require that certain of the disclosed steps beperformed.

In one embodiment, in step S400, a bone can be drilled to form a bonehole. In one embodiment, the woven retention device can be elongated orconstricted in step S402, after which in step S404 the woven retentiondevice can be inserted into the bone hole. After step S404, in step S406the woven retention device upon entering the bone hole can be expanded.Thus, upon entering the bone hole, the woven retention device can expandto a less elongated and constricted state to interface with the bonesurface. After step S406, in step S408 the fastener can be inserted intothe woven retention device either before or after insertion into thebone hole. Next, the fastener can exert pressure on an interior of thewoven retention device in step S410. In step S410, the fastener canoptionally change the shape of the interior of the woven retentiondevice. Next, in step S412, pressure from an interior of the wovenretention device can be distributed to an exterior surface of the wovenretention device. In step S412, the shape of the exterior surface of thewoven retention device can optionally change shape. In step S414,pressure from an exterior surface of the woven retention device cantransmit to bone surface. In step S414, the pressure transmission to thebone surface can optionally change the shape of the bone surface. Inother embodiments, the steps can be performed in different orders orsteps can be optionally omitted.

In another embodiment, instead of following steps S402, S404, S406 andS408, in step S401, a fastener can be inserted into the woven retentiondevice before the woven retention device has been inserted into the bonehole, after which in step S403 the fastener with woven retention devicecan be inserted into the bone hole. After step S403, in step S410 thefastener can optionally change the shape of the interior of the wovenretention device. Next, in step S412, pressure from an interior of thewoven retention device can be distributed to an exterior surface of thewoven retention device. In step S412, the shape of the exterior surfaceof the woven retention device can optionally change shape. In step S414,pressure from an exterior surface of the woven retention device cantransmit to bone surface. In step S414, the pressure transmission to thebone surface can optionally change the shape of the bone surface.

In another embodiment, the distributing pressure step comprises dynamicmicro-loading of the woven retention device based on differences inloading patterns of the woven retention device and the interfacingsurface shape of the fastener. Based on a uniform radial distribution ofthe woven retention device, a different loading pattern, or in otherwords, a dynamic load, is possible. That is, instead of solely pushingor cutting bone, the fastener can deform the woven structure. Further,based on the flexibility of the weave, the woven retention device canfacilitate an even distribution of load on uneven bone structure.

Thus, a fastener can be inserted into the woven retention device eitherbefore or after the woven retention device is inserted into the bonehole. Upon being inserted into the woven retention device, the fastenercan exert a pressure on an interior surface of the woven retentiondevice, which can optionally change the shape of the interior surface.The pressure exerted on the interior surface of the woven retentiondevice can distribute pressure to an exterior surface of the wovenretention device, which can optionally change the shape of the exteriorsurface. The change in the exterior surface can allow for betterinterfacing with the bone surface based on the changes to the exteriorsurface. The bone surface can optionally change shape based on thepressure that is applied by the woven retention device.

The woven retention device can be beneficial for use with low bonemineral density, which is the amount of mineral matter per squarecentimeter of bone that is between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations awayfrom young normal adult. Low bone mineral density can includeosteoporosis, osteopenia, hyperparathyroidism and/or osteomalacia. Anotable part of the woven retention device's inner surface is itsability to engage with the screw without having a matching threadedsurface on the interior in a preferred embodiment. The material of thewoven retention device can be made of any plastic or fiber. Othermaterials can also be used, including metallic and natural or biologicalmaterials.

The dual interface can be achieved through having a tube-shaped, braidedretention device with sufficient rigidity, stability (returning to thewoven retention device's original shape or configuration afterdeformation), and tensile strength when a screw can be inserted toprovide sufficient sheer strength to a screw on the one side and auniform and distributed pressure to the bone on the other side. Thewoven retention device can have a multi-filament comprising aone-under/one-over arrangement of 45 degree angle intersections and amono filament that runs adjacent to each of the braids such that eachfilament goes over two other filaments before going under two filaments(2-over/2-under, twill or herringbone). A three-under/three-overarrangement can also be possible. Other types of weaves are possible(including only a monofilament) as long as there can be sufficientstability, rigidity, compressibility, sheer strength, and/or tensilestrength.

The Young's modulus (or load modulus) can also be used to quantify thewoven retention device according to some embodiments. In one embodiment,there can be two portions associated with the response of the wovenretention device shape upon exertion of pressure from the fastener andupon interfacing with the bony surface. For example, there can be alinear portion to the response curve (stress over strain curve), andthere can be a non-linear portion where the material stops behavingelastically. If the material/structure exhibits the linear response overthe range of the test (i.e., the amount of stretching performed on thesample), then the sample is “linear.” The amount of stretching performedon the sample is typically an amount of stretching that the sample canbe expected to experience in use because all samples will exhibitnon-linear response eventually. If the sample exhibits the non-linearresponse within the test range, the sample can be “non-linear”. In oneembodiment, the Young's modulus of the woven retention device can besubstantially linear over the load range of the fastener. In anotherembodiment, the Young's modulus of the woven retention device can benon-linear over the load range.

One configuration of the interlaced filaments can be at a 45 degreebraid angle in relation to the axis of the retention device in theposition after the woven retention device can be inserted into the hole.Such a braid angle allows for maximum distribution of the protuberanceson the exterior surface of the tubular lattice. Other angles are alsopreferably contemplated to be between 40-50 degree braid angles relativeto the retention device longitudinal axis. The woven retention devicediameter can be dynamically determined depending on the size of pilothole diameter such that braid angles are 45 degrees when in hole (whichcan be less critical for larger screws).

In one embodiment, the woven retention device can be shaped like ahollow rope. In another embodiment, the woven retention device does notrequire that the filaments be interwoven provided that othercharacteristics of the filaments provide for a sufficiently rigid andflexible lattice. For example, a retention device for interfacing with abone surface can include a sleeve body comprising a plurality ofintersecting filaments forming a substantially tubular wall, the tubularwall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the sleeve bodybeing configured to surround at least a portion of a fastener on aninterior surface-side of the tubular wall. The retention device can alsoinclude a proximal end and a distal end, the sleeve body extendingbetween the proximal and distal ends. The retention device can alsoinclude a plurality of protuberances distributed on the tubular wall,each of the plurality of protuberances being formed by intersecting twoor more of the plurality of intersecting filaments.

In the retention device, the plurality of intersecting filaments caninclude a plurality of filament cross-section geometries. Further, theplurality of protuberances can have a plurality of protuberancethicknesses based on a plurality of combinations of the filamentcross-section geometries, where a thickness of each of the plurality ofprotuberances can be based on a particular combination of the pluralityof filament cross-section geometries at the intersection point, and thethickness being measured in a radial direction of the sleeve body. Inthe retention device, the sleeve body, when surrounding at least aportion of the fastener, can be configured to distribute pressure fromthe fastener on the interior surface-side of a protuberance to anexterior surface-side of two or more protuberances, and the plurality ofprotuberance thicknesses accommodate deviations in the bone surface. Inan alternative configuration, the sleeve body can be configured todistribute pressure from the fastener on the interior surface side of aprotuberance to an exterior surface-side of one protuberance having morethan one force.

A retention device can include a substantially tubular lattice ofintersecting fibers that can be configured to be inserted into a bonetunnel, the tubular lattice including a proximal end and a distal end,the proximal end having a receiving portion that can receive a fasteneralong a longitudinal axis of the retention device. The tubular latticecan include an inner surface that has a distributed interface withprotruding and recessed portions that can interact with an outer surfaceof the fastener. The tubular lattice can also include an outer surfacethat has protruding and recessed multiple points of contact to interactwith an interior bone surface. The tubular lattice may have a degree ofstability that maintains a three-dimensional structure of the tubularlattice and a degree of flexibility, where the degree of stability andflexibility can allow for the distributed interface of the inner surfaceto distribute applied pressure to the protruding and recessed multiplepoints of contact of the outer surface. The pressure can result from thefastener being inserted.

Embodiments of the present invention include a method of inserting awoven retention device into, for example, a bone hole. The methodincludes distributing pressure from a fastener being inserted into thewoven retention device from an interior surface of the woven retentiondevice to an exterior surface of the woven retention device. Thisdistributing of pressure can transmit pressure to a bone surface of thebone hole according to a function of bone density and according to afunction of an interfacing surface shape of the fastener. The pressurefrom the fastener can change the spatial relationship of protuberanceson the interior surface of the woven retention device. The pressure fromthe interior surface can also change the spatial relationship ofprotuberances of the exterior surface of the woven retention device.

Embodiments of the method can include providing a woven retention deviceaccording to the any of the descriptions of a woven retention deviceprovided herein. In aspects of an embodiment, the fastener can beinserted into the woven retention device after the woven retentiondevice has been inserted into the bone hole. The fastener can also beinserted into the woven retention device before the woven retentiondevice has been inserted into the bone hole.

According to some embodiments, the pressure transmitted to the bonesurface can change the shape of the bone surface of the bone hole. Thedistributing pressure step can include dynamic micro-loading of thewoven retention device based on differences in loading patterns of thewoven retention device and the interfacing surface shape of thefastener. The method according to some embodiments may includeelongating or constricting the woven retention device for fitting thewoven retention device inside the bone hole, and expanding the wovenretention device upon entering the bone hole

In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sakeof clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific terminology and examples selected. A person skilled in therelevant art will recognize that other equivalent components can beemployed and other methods developed without departing from the broadconcepts of the current invention.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferredembodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations andmodifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of theinvention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if notexplicitly stated above.

We claim:
 1. A woven retention device for interfacing with a bonesurface, the retention device comprising: a sleeve body comprising aplurality of interwoven filaments forming a substantially tubularlattice with a plurality of protuberances distributed on an interiorsurface and an exterior surface of the tubular lattice at apredetermined spatial relationship, the sleeve body being configured tosurround at least a portion of a fastener, each of the plurality ofprotuberances being formed by an intersection point of two or more ofthe plurality of interwoven filaments; a proximal end that is proximalto the sleeve body and that is configured to receive at least a portionof the fastener; and a distal end that is distal to the sleeve body,wherein in a first, relaxed state, the sleeve body has a plurality ofcombinations of filament cross-section geometries at the intersectionpoints, the plurality of combinations of filament cross-sectiongeometries forming a plurality of protuberance thicknesses, a thicknessof each protuberance being measured in a radial direction of the sleevebody, and wherein in a second state when surrounding at least a portionof the fastener, the sleeve body is configured to distribute pressurefrom the fastener to multiple points of contact on the exterior surfacesuch that the spatial relationship of the plurality of protuberanceschanges as a function of bone density of the bone surface and as afunction of an interfacing surface shape of the fastener.
 2. Theretention device of claim 1, wherein: the interwoven filaments include afirst plurality of sets of filaments that runs in a first helicaldirection and a second plurality of sets of filaments that runs in adirection intersecting the first plurality of sets of filaments, and foreach set of the first and second plurality of sets of filaments, thereis a substantially same arrangement of cross-section geometries at everyother intersection along that set, the substantially same arrangementbeing different from an arrangement of cross-section geometries atremaining intersections along that set.
 3. The retention deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein: the distal end has a distal tip with afirst diameter, and the receiving portion has a second diameter that isgreater than the first diameter.
 4. The retention device of claim 2,wherein each of the first plurality of sets of filaments comprises afirst outer filament and a first inner filament, and each of the secondplurality of sets of filaments comprises a second outer filament and asecond inner filament.
 5. The retention device of claim 4, wherein theone of the first or second outer filaments and the first or second innerfilaments is a round monofilament and one of the first or second outerfilaments and the first or second inner filaments is a flatmultifilament.
 6. The retention device of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof interwoven filaments are comprised of alternating round monofilamentsand flat multifilaments.
 7. The retention device of claim 5, wherein theplurality of interwoven filaments follow a two-under/two-overconfiguration, where at each intersection, the round monofilament eitheroverlies both of the intersecting filaments or is overlain by both ofthe intersecting filaments and the flat multifilament overlies one ofthe intersecting filaments and is overlain by another of theintersecting filaments.
 8. The retention device of claim 5, wherein theround monofilaments have a diameter in a range of about 0.1 mm-0.4 mm.9. The retention device of claim 8, wherein the round monofilaments havea diameter of 0.2 mm.
 10. The retention device of claim 6, wherein themultifilaments have a linear mass density in a range of about 150-250denier.
 11. The retention device of claim 10, wherein the multifilamentshave a linear mass density of about 200 denier.
 12. The retention deviceof claim 1, wherein: the interwoven filaments outline interstices thatallow for bone ingrowth, and the interstices formed by the interwovenfilaments comprise differently shaped and differently sized interstices.13. The retention device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of interwovenfilaments are arranged in a three-under/three-over configuration. 14.The retention device according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is ascrew having a screw thread and the interior surface is configured tointeract with the screw.
 15. The retention device of claim 1, whereinthe distal end is closed.
 16. The retention device of claim 1, whereinin the relaxed state, the interwoven filaments extend around the tubularlattice at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinaldirection of the woven retention device.
 17. The retention device ofclaim 1, wherein the distributed protuberances are arranged in adiamond-shaped pattern grid.
 18. The retention device of claim 1,wherein: the tubular lattice has an outer radius spanning from afurthest outwardly extending protuberance in the radial direction on theexterior surface of the tubular lattice to a center point of the tubularlattice, the tubular lattice having an inner radius spanning from afurthest inwardly protruding protuberance in the axial direction on theinterior surface of the tubular lattice to the center point of thetubular lattice, the tubular lattice having an average radius that is anaverage between the outer radius and the inner radius, and wherein theouter radius of the tubular lattice is greatest at the intersectionpoints of the thickest filaments.
 19. The retention device of claim 18,wherein the average diameter is in a range of about 1.5 mm to 9.0 mm.20. A method of dynamically micro-loading a fastener into a bone holeusing a woven retention device, the method comprising: inserting a wovenretention device into a bone hole, the woven retention device having asubstantially homogeneous and uniformly, radially distributed pattern ofa plurality of interwoven filaments that result in a first spatialrelationship of the filaments, apertures, and protuberances, theprotuberances being formed at intersections of the interwoven filaments;applying pressure from an interfacing surface of a fastener to aninterior surface of the woven retention device; and distributingpressure from the interior surface of the woven retention device to anexterior surface of the woven retention device for transmission ofpressure to a bone surface of the bone hole, wherein the pressure fromthe fastener changes the first spatial relationship of the filaments,apertures, and protuberances of the woven retention device into a secondspatial relationship of the filaments, apertures, and protuberancesaccording to a function of bone density and according to a function of ashape of the interfacing surface of the fastener, the changes from thefirst spatial relationship to the second spatial relationship fosteringinterdigitation between the woven retention device and the bone surfaceof the bone hole, and wherein the intersections of the interwovenfilaments result in at least three different levels of thicknesses ofprotuberances.